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Detroit Free Press Columnist

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As Barack Obama gave an eloquent, inspiring victory speech late Tuesday night -- or was that Wednesday morning? -- he started to sound like any number of coaches or players from our area, talking about their teams.

"While our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back ..."

Clearly, Obama could have been talking about the Lions.

The Lions opened the year with a 1-3 record, a dreadful start for a team that many thought would roll to the playoffs. But the Lions, in the words of the president, have fought their way back.

They are now 4-4 and have a shot at winning the electoral college. Whoops, sorry. That's too much CNN on the brain.

The Lions have a shot at getting to the playoffs. They are playing solid defense; they are mixing the run with the pass; and best of all, this team won in Pennsylvania and Florida -- and it's always vital to win in those swing states.

"We believe in a generous America, in a compassionate America, in a tolerant America ..."

Even for Delmon Young. You are so lucky. Do your community service. Don't ever open your mouth again. And let's move on.

"Some of you were new this time around, and some of you have been at my side since the very beginning. But all of you are family."

Clearly, this could have been manager Jim Leyland talking to his team after the World Series. But the Tigers will have a new look next season. They need a closer, more than anything.

And yes, if Mike Ilitch wants to crack open a few cash registers at a few pizza joints, then by all means sign Josh Hamilton. But Nick Castellanos will not be ready to play the outfield next spring. He's too raw.

"No matter what you do or where you go from here, you will carry the memory of the history we made together and you will have the lifelong appreciation of a grateful president. Thank you for believing all the way, through every hill, through every valley."

True enough, these could be the words of Joe Dumars, the Pistons president of basketball operations. And yes, this town has a long history with Joe D, but the hills are getting steep, and those valleys are getting pretty scary.

The Pistons started the year by losing their first four games, including an ugly loss against the Lakers. Now, it's too early to make huge changes, although there is nothing wrong with benching players who don't play defense or give 100 % effort in every game. That first string needs to wake up and start playing like the second unit.

"By itself, the recognition that we have common hopes and dreams won't end all the gridlock or solve all our problems or substitute for the painstaking work of building consensus ..."

Clearly, Obama could have been talking about the NHL. And here is our plea to the union and the owners: Get it done! This is stupid. Are you trying to kill this game?

"I am hopeful tonight because I've seen the spirit at work in America."

Also, because, well, Devin Gardner looks like a heck of a quarterback, and suddenly, the future looks bright for the Wolverines. If Gardner would have played against Nebraska, Michigan would have won.

"Thank you, America. God bless you. God bless these United States."

And God bless the MSU and Michigan basketball teams. If they both win, like they should, it could be a heck of a winter.